Welcome to the first 2009 issue of Singersroom Gospel (SR Gospel) and what a year 2009 is going to be in the Gospel music world. In January and February alone Gospel music will be highlighted during both daytime and prime-time at least five times starting with BETs annual Celebration of Gospel, the annual Stellar Awards, the Grammy Awards, and in two new programs including BETs new series Generation Gospel ! Kicking off an inspirational season, BET Sunday Best stars Crystal Aikin and Shari Addison will release their highly anticipated self titled albums. Aikin, the soulful Washingtonian, has collaborated with PAJAM (J Moss, 21:03, Dorinda Clark Cole), Dre & Vidal, and Asaph A Ward for her debut that also features a guest appearance from CCM recording star Natalie Grant. Aikin says “I am a worship conductor and singing for me has so much purpose.” “I donât play around with it. We all have gifts and talents. Sometimes we take them places we shouldnât. But for me, it is so important to honor my gift and to use it wisely. I believe that God has put a spiritual anointing on my voice to awaken the spiritually asleep and for deliverance and healing.” Led by the Asaph A. Ward single “I Desire More,” (Listen Below) Akin sings “Here I am on bended knees, with outstretched arms, crying Lord, not my will but your will; less of me and more of you.” Aikin is not the only one releasing an album on Jan. 13, fellow Sunday Best soul-stirring singer Shari Addison will release a self-titled debut as well. Led by the single “No Battle, No Blessing,” Shari Addison says “This album includes some of the heaviest hitters in Gospel music. Iâm so grateful that God gave me âAâ players and anointed producers for this CD. These giants in Gospel music lent their songs and production credits to the project.” Produced by Percy Bady (Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams), Daniel Weatherspoon (Darwin Hobbs), and Donald Lawrence (Hezekiah Walker) Shari’s album reportedly features a fiery mix of contemporary and traditional gospel music. Addison even puts her own twist on the James Cleveland classic “Please Make Me Better,” but it is “No Battle, No Blessing” that ushers in the singers personal testimony. Shari sings âEvery burden. It is a battle. Every heartache. It is a battle. Hold on, the battle is not yours.â According to GospelCity and Kevin Bond, âShari Addison is a name that the national and international community of believers will come to recognize and enjoy for years to come,â says Bond. âThe raw power of her voice, coupled with the weight of her testimony, will leave an indelible impression on all who are blessed to experience the depth of her anointing.â News Bits: The Gospel of Music With Jeff Majors TV One will kick off a new season of ‘The Gospel of Music With Jeff Majors’ this Sunday, Jan. 4. According to the network, Gospel stars Jason Champion and Mary Mary will be performing on the show. GMC Video Awards (2008) Marvin Sapp won an award for Best Soul Video (Never Would Have Made It) at the 2008 Gospel Music Channel Video Awards. Sapp was joined by Lecrae, who won a Best Hip Hop Video Award for “Praying For You”. For more information on the awards and other winners please visit Gospelmusichannel.com. Heather Headley “Audience Of One” Former Broadway star Heather Headley’s Gospel debut is also set release on Jan. 13th featuring a guest appearance from Smokie Norful. On The Charts – This Week’s Top 10 Gospel Albums (according to Billboard) 1. Mary Mary “The Sound” 2. Marvin Sapp “Thirsty” 3. Lecrae “Rebel” 4. Juanita Bynum “Pour My Love On You” 5. Wow Gospel 2008 6. Hezekiah Walker & LFC “Souled Out” 7. Wow Gospel Essentials 8. Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers “Just The Beginning” 9. Gotta Have Gospel 6 10. Tye Tribbet & G.A. “Stand Out” Inspirational Video of the Week: Crystal Aikin “I Desire More”
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